A search is underway for a 46-year-old German man who went missing on Christmas Day after he left to go swimming at a beach in Hihifo, Ha’apai.

Deputy Police Commissioner Pelenatita Fe'ao Vaisuai said Frank Doblitz, who is a married to a Tongan woman, was last seen by family members heading to the beach for a swim, with his goggles, diving shoes and an underwater camera, at around 7:00pm, when it was still light.

His brother-in-law reported the man missing to police after he failed to return home at nightfall.

Ha'apai Police dispatched its Search and Rescue Boat, ‘Amolua, to the area and conducted the search, which continued today. No sign of Mr Dobllitz was found at the beach or surrounding area, she said.

"We are appealing to the public to notify us if they happen to see this man. He was wearing dark blue shorts when he went to swim."

Frank has a diving certificate and has been swimming and diving in Ha’apai previously, on visits with his wife, Lina.

The couple who live in Germany, had arrived in Tonga on 13 December to spend Christmas with her family.